Countering Brave New World Thinking

by The Center for Bioethics and Culture on April 12, 2012

Thank you for your personal interest in the Center for Bioethics and Culture (CBC). I deeply appreciate your commitment to helping make a difference in a world where Brave New World thinking is threatening human dignity. So much is at stake as we are watching many seek to redefine even life itself.

The last few weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of activity for the Center for Bioethics and Culture. So much is going on that it is sometimes difficult to catch my breath. Pacing is everything. There is far more to do than the small, dedicated team of CBC can undertake.

Here is a sampling of a few of the highpoints of the last couple of weeks:

We are beginning to work on our fourth documentary film. More on the topic and focus later, but I can assure you that this next film (like the others we have produced) will address life issues that grab the heart.

On March 23, CBC hosted the 9th Annual Paul Ramsey Award Dinner in San Francisco. This year the award was given to Mary Ann Glendon, Learned Head Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics from 2002 to 2005. You can read and hear her acceptance remarks on our website. Bestselling author and editor of the Weekly Standard, Joseph Bottum, delivered the keynote address entitled, "Why Life and Death Matters." You can also hear the audio of his message on our website.

On March 24, CBC formally launched the Paul Ramsey Institute. Scholarly engagement is a necessity if we are going to impact lives. This is a long-term project, and the official launch is an important and long-awaited step. The organizing members include Dr. William Hurlbut, Wesley J. Smith, J.D., and Dr. Gilbert Meilaender.

In the spirit of Paul Ramsey, this Institute will seek to support current leaders working in the area of bioethics, engage and positively change the culture, have a life-affirming impact on the gatekeepers of society, and mentor and equip the next generation of the brightest minds who will boldly speak out about issues of bioethics. This launch will be a game-changer.

Breakthroughs have been realized over the last 12 months because of partners like you. You are involved in work that is operating on the edge. What we are doing puts us in the crosshairs of many who oppose our core beliefs. Our unwillingness to be silent is creating numerous hostile challenges.

We have a clear, strategic initiative that drives our activities. We aim to be in front of strategic audiences and engage today’s gatekeepers with a message that touches the emotional hurts and hearts of people who are often ignorant of the far-reaching impact of seemingly simple life decisions.

In order to get our message out through thought-provoking films, various media exposures, writings, speaking engagements, and launching new initiatives like the Paul Ramsey Institute, your generous financial support is sincerely needed. I can’t do this by myself — your support is critical to our success.

At the Paul Ramsey Award Dinner, I asked those present to consider how they might join in partnership with us. Now I am asking you as well.

Perhaps you could commit to giving a specific sum by the end of 2012. Perhaps you could become a monthly partner by contributing a set amount — $25, $50, $100, or more — each month to the work of the Center for Bioethics and Culture. Perhaps you could make a special gift right now.

Your personal participation is so needed at this time!

Can I count on you to help us take advantage of the doors that are opening to us? I do look forward to receiving your response.

Thank you for joining hands with me at this time. Your partnership means a great deal to me.

Most sincerely,

Jennifer

We live in a fragile world, full of conflict. Advances in medicine and science are now threatening human dignity and life. A war is raging for the hearts and minds of many who are now conflicted and forced to make life-altering decisions that can impact their personal health, life, and culture.

You are invited to join hands with the Center for Bioethics and Culture and seize the unprecedented opportunity to boldly declare truth, help people understand serious implications, and change lives.

Your timely partnership now will make a significant difference to the future of our civilization.